Pakistani skipper Babar Azam still confident of team reaching semifinals of World Cup
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Pakistan is set to take on England in their last pool match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in Kolkata this Saturday. Currently positioned fifth in the 2023 World Cup points table with eight points and a net run rate of +0.036, Pakistan aims to secure a spot in the semi-final by either defeating England by approximately 287 runs when batting first or with around 284 balls to spare while chasing the target.
In the pre-match press conference, Captain Babar Azam expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure a victory, emphasizing the importance of a strategic approach. He shared insights into their planned net run-rate strategy against England, focusing on a structured approach rather than blind slogging.
Addressing concerns about potential elimination, Babar highlighted the unpredictable nature of cricket and remained optimistic about their chances in the upcoming match.
Dismissing notions of feeling the weight of captaincy, he asserted that he has not succumbed to pressure during his three-year tenure. Babar acknowledged the support received from Indian fans and addressed criticism regarding his strike rate, clarifying that his primary focus has always been playing for the team.
Reflecting on the team's overall performance, he identified the failure to execute their overall plan as the primary factor behind their shortcomings. Regarding ongoing speculations about his captaincy, Babar stated that discussions will only take place once the World Cup concludes, emphasizing his current focus on the remaining league match.
He concluded by debunking the notion that Pakistan has consistently underperformed in World Cups since 1999, highlighting their success in winning the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy.
